Vincelot thrilled by potential of fully-fit Bantams

ROMAIN Vincelot is excited by the prospect of what a fully-fit City can achieve.

Stuart McCall’s men claimed their opening win at Peterborough on Saturday and are still to let in a goal.

Filipe Morais was the latest big-name absentee but City were still good value for the victory against a side who had scored six in the first week.

Vincelot, deputising again at centre half because of the injuries, is licking his lips at the thought of McCall having a full squad to choose from.

He said: “When you look at the players missing injured at the minute, you just think ‘wow, when they come back this is going to be a very good team’.

“It will keep everyone on their toes because they are quality and proven players. It’s great.

“They are coming back to a team already playing well so it’s a positive circle.”

The Frenchman has been impressed with the variety in City’s style of play so far and felt they fully deserved the win after missing out against Port Vale and Accrington.

“The last two games were very frustrating,” he added. “But we didn’t panic, we knew how close it was (to the win).

“Maybe we should have scored more than 1-0 but it was very good against a team who had got six goals before.

“There was some tremendous play. What I like about the team is the way we don’t just have one plan so we are not predictable.

“We can play it long to Hans (James Hanson) but if teams are dropping deep, we have the players to play short and keep the ball.

“We can mix it up so teams don’t know what to expect and that’s a good quality. That’s another asset.”

Morais missed out on with a tight thigh after picking up a strain during the warm-up on Tuesday. He will not be risked at MK Dons tomorrow but Vincelot is convinced they can trouble another team tipped to do well.

He said: “At least we have our first win but that doesn’t mean we go there and just see what happens. We want to play well, be solid and have another positive result.

“But it’s good to have four points and we are confident.

“MK Dons are a very free playing team and it will be another interesting challenge.”

Midfielder Timothee Dieng is expected to be involved in the squad for the first time after recovering from his calf strain. McCall will make a decision after training this morning.

The Bantams boss said: “Tim only got up to full speed on Friday but we’re hopeful he will be available.

“We’ll need him because three or four had ice on after the game.

“Look at MK Dons, they played a completely different team in the League Cup on Tuesday and rested ten.

“We’ve had to go 120 minutes and to keep going at the end like that on Saturday was a credit to the desire of the players.”

McCall defended his decision to name another five-man bench. City have not had a full complement of seven subs yet.

He said: “Somebody asked me if it was a point to the owners but it’s just we’ve got a few injuries.

“We’re up to a 22-man squad when everyone’s fit. Add one or two more and we’ve got enough numbers but it’s just unfortunate at the moment.”

Polish striker Vincent Rabiega will join on a one-year deal after being on trial in pre-season.

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